Title: USDA Offers SBIR/STTR Programs to Support Innovative Research in Agriculture

Introduction:

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide grants to small businesses conducting research related to important scientific issues and opportunities in agriculture. The programs aim to stimulate technological innovation, increase private sector commercialization of innovations, and encourage participation by women-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged small business firms.

Program Overview:

The USDA’s SBIR/STTR programs are administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and award grants in 10 broad topic areas, including animal and plant production, food science and nutrition, and biofuels and biobased products. The programs do not make loans or award grants for the purpose of helping a business get established. In a two-part webinar, USDA staff provide an overview of program goals, phases, topic areas, funding amounts, and timelines.

Funding Amounts:

SBIR/STTR program funds are allocated based on the number of proposals received in each topic area. Grants are limited to $175,000 for most topic areas, except for two areas where grants are limited to $125,000. Phase I lasts 8 months for SBIR and 12 months for STTR, and Phase II grants are limited to $600,000 and last 24 months. Phase II awards are only open to previous Phase I awardees. Phase I applicants are also eligible to receive up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funds.

Eligibility:

USDA’s SBIR/STTR programs follow the eligibility requirements found in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Policy Directive. To qualify, applicants must be a small business concern for research and development (R&D) purposes at the time of award, show that the primary employment of the project director (PD) is with the small business, and perform the R&D work in the United States. The PD or co-PD must also be employed by the small business for the entire grant period. The programs provide further guidance on ownership and control requirements, the 500-employee size limit, and other requirements.

Concluding Thoughts:

The USDA’s SBIR/STTR programs seek to foster innovation in the private sector and strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting federal research and development needs. By supporting high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture, the programs lead to significant public benefits.

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